Tape-line hook



Sept. 14 1926.

E. H. LINDEMEYER TAPE LINE noox Filed Feb.6, 1924 /7 y Mama- W Patented Sept. 14, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE.

TAPE-LINE HOOK.

Application filed February 6, 1924. Serial No. 691,041.

This invention relates to improvements in tape line holders and particularly to that type which are equipped with retalm'ng means.

An important object of the invention is to provide a device which will engage a crevice or the like and thereby secure one end of a tape line.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for conveniently holding and securing the free end of a tape line.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is simple and durable of construction and eflicient for the purpose intended.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same Figure 1 is a side elevation of a tape line having my invention attached thereto,

Figure 2 is an enlarged plan View of the device with the retaining claw in operative position,

, Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of the device showing the retaining claw not in operative position, and

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4:4 of Figure 2.

In the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 5 designates a type of tape measure commonly used and equipped withthe crank 6 which is turned by the usual knob member 7, the tape line 8 shown issuing therefrom in the usual manner. A finger clasp 9 is secured to the extremity of the tape line 8 by a clip 10 which may be riveted as at 11 or otherwise secured to the tape line, the method of fastening depending upon the material of which the tape line is constructed. One end of the finger clasp 9 is provided with a cross-bar 12, the central portion of which is preferably circular in cross section as at 13 for the purpose of obtaining a better bearing surface within the clip 10. The opposite end of the finger clasp is slightly larger in width and semicircular in shape.

The inner portion of the finger clasp is cut away to form an opening 14 which is large enough to permit the operator inserting his finger and grasping the line. A retaining loop 15 is secured to the center of the bar 12 as at 16, permitting it to swing vertically about same, while the opposite end of said loop 15 is bent to form a claw 17, the end tapering to a sharp point 18.

In use, the device is much more eflicient than previously patented devices of this type inasmuch as the finger clasp is slightly larger than has formerly been used and the opening therein also larger, permitting convenient manipulation when grasped by the thumb and index finger, which is desirable in common practice. In addition to this advantage, this device is equippedwith a simple, yet efiicient retaining loop 15 which may be swung against the clasp for operation or backward out of the way when not in use. It often happens that one man endeavors to take a measurement over a longer distance than he can reach thereby making it impossible for him to hold both ends of the tape line and very diflicult to perform the work desired. In cases of this character, the retaining loop 15, which is equipped with a very sharp point 18, could efliciently be secured while the operator handles the other end of the tape measure and thereby accomplishes the work unassisted. In the event that it is impossible to attach the claw point, a nail or the like could be inserted at the point from which the measurement is to be taken and positioned in the opening 1 1 of the finger clasp thereby serving to secure one end of the tape measure.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claim.

Having thus described my invention, I claim A tape line hook structure comprising a clasp member provided with an opening, a tape secured to the clasp member, a hook pivoted on the clasp member at one end thereof and having an angnlarly disposed free end portion engaging snugly around the opposite end edge of the clasp member and the said hook being provided With a 5 pointed extremity which is disposed substantially toward the point of pivotal connection between the hook and the clasp member and which lies at the side of the clasp member opposite that side thereof at Which the shank of the hook lies. 10

In testimony whereof, I have affixed my signature.

EDVARD H. LINDEMEYER. 

